Breakthrough role

A breakthrough role, also known as breakout role,[1] is a term in the film industry to describe the performance of an actor or actress in a film or television show which contributed significantly to the development of their career and beginning of critical recognition. Such a moment in an actor's career may often occur some time after they begin acting as their roles become more substantial. Often a breakthrough role is a significant increase in importance in the actor's part in the film moving up from a minor character or extra to one of the leading cast, or a "high impact" role in a film which has mainstream success and results in the widespread recognition or popularity of the actor.[2] Martin Shingler defines a breakthrough performance as one which "attracts the attention of film critics, or "receives rave reviews and is subsequently nominated for a major film award."[3]